Table 1 Classification of pediatric and adult brain tumors

Astrocytomas

Pilocytic astrocytoma

I

Pilocytic cell morphology, less infiltrative, low proliferative activity.

Cerebellum, optic pathway, brainstem, thalamus and spine.

Children

(0 to 16)

Surgical resection, adjuvant therapies considered in the case of incomplete surgical resection.

Excellent (100% 5-year survival; 96% 10-year survival)

Diffuse astrocytoma

II

Infiltrative with low proliferative potential but often recurs. Can progress to higher grades in adults.

Cerebrum, optic pathway, brainstem, hypothalamus, thalamus and spine.

Young adults (20 to 39 years)

Surgery; adjuvant therapies considered on a case by case basis.

Moderate (58% 5-year survival)

Anaplastic astrocytoma

III

Infiltrative, with nuclear atypia and higher mitotic activity.

Cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem and spine

Adults

Surgical resection when possible, followed by adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy.

Poor (11% 5-year survival)

Glioblastoma multiforme

IV

Infiltrative,nuclear atypia, high mitotic activity, pseudopalissading necroses, florid microvascular proliferation.

Cerebrum, cerebellum and spine, but brainstem gliobastoma multiforme (DIPGs) are more frequent in children.

Adults, except DIPG, which is prevalent in children below 10 years of age

Surgical resection when possible, followed by adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy.

Very poor (1.2% 5-year survival)